Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
The achievements of Emirati women at Khalifa University form part of a shared national story in which knowledge, opportunity and determination help shape UAE’s future: A search for new diabetes treatments, a geological expedition uncovering evidence of climate change from approximately 230 million years ago, and preparations for a UAE mission to the asteroid belt.
As the UAE marks Emirati Women’s Day 2026 with month-long celebrations under the theme “Together, We Rise Stronger and Better,” their experiences offer a closer look at the different paths through which women are advancing science, technology and innovation.
Journeys of Discovery
Through research, innovation and collaboration, Emirati women at Khalifa University are helping turn national ambitions into practical impact. For Mariam Saif Aldhaheri, Maitha Alteneiji and Alya Almaazmi, that path has extended beyond Earth.
The three Khalifa University women participated in the 2025 Space Exploration Research Experience programme, where they gained practical experience in planetary science, spacecraft operations and mission management.
They also contributed to preparations for the Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt.
In biomedical research, Fatima Alshamsi is exploring a very different frontier. The Emirati PhD candidate is conducting research at Khalifa University and KU Leuven into novel immunotherapies for diabetes.
Her work includes using artificial intelligence to identify genes associated with vascular complications. Alshamsi’s research journey, which earned her a place in Forbes Middle East’s 30 Under 30 Class of 2025, shows how international collaboration can widen the horizons available to emerging researchers.
A Community of Learning and Opportunity
Today, 2,239 Emirati women study and work across the University. They include 2,007 undergraduate, master’s, doctoral and Doctor of Medicine students, as well as faculty members, researchers, professional staff and women working across university-affiliated entities.
Emirati women also account for 40.2% of Khalifa University’s total student population. Their contribution continues after graduation. Among the University’s 9,794 alumni as of spring 2026, 3,413 are Emirati women who now apply their knowledge and expertise across government, industry and other sectors of the UAE economy.
Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri, President of Khalifa University, said: “At Khalifa University, empowerment is measured by enabling high-achieving Emirati women to excel, create knowledge and lead.
We encourage them to step forward with confidence, pursue ambitious opportunities and turn their ideas into action. By combining rigorous education with research, mentorship, international exposure and professional development, we are building exceptional national talent that can strengthen the UAE’s scientific capability and knowledge economy. In the spirit of ‘Together, We Rise Stronger and Better,’ we will continue creating opportunities for Emirati women to learn, discover and lead.”
Confidence Beyond the Classroom
Research is only one part of that journey. Mentorship, internships, employer engagement, student governance and entrepreneurship programmes give students opportunities to build confidence, test their abilities and make more informed decisions about their futures.
The Athar mentorship programme, for example, completed its first six-month cohort in 2026, creating 59 mentor-mentee connections among alumni, senior students and recent graduates.
Biomedical engineering student Meera Alshamsi said the experience helped her make more informed decisions, strengthen her confidence and develop clearer goals for the future.
Amal Al Jaberi, CEO of Khalifa University Enterprises Company, said: “The significance of this advancement of Emirati women across research and innovation lies not in numbers alone, but in the calibre of talent and ideas being developed at Khalifa University.
Our role is to connect Emirati women researchers and innovators with industry, entrepreneurship, commercialisation pathways and professional networks, enabling them to take ideas beyond the laboratory, build startups and create economic and societal value. This is how exceptional talent contributes to the UAE’s innovation ecosystem and knowledge economy.”
